Hi guys, not a complete camping noob, but this will be the first tent that I have bought!
Basically I have been looking around at tents, and going around in circles!!
Looking for a tent to suit 2 adults and occasionally our dog (Beagle), with plenty of room not be too cramped, and preferably a reasonable size porch so that if weather is bad you can comfortably sit in the porch area to cook/eat.
I'm not really looking to spend too much as I'm not sure how much the missus will warm to the idea of camping, but I plan to use it in Wales in a few weeks time for a trip to Afan Forest (MTB), and then possibly do the odd weekend with the other half & dog elsewhere in the UK, maybe even take it with us to France later in the year.
So, initally I was looking dirt cheap, but realising that wasn't going to get much, but I still don't really want to spend much more than say £75, unless you guys convince me it will be worth the extra.
So with that in mind I was looking at 4 man dome or tunnel type tents, preferably with a bit of porch.
So far came up with either a Gelert Tornado 4 or a Vango Zetes 400.
The tornado looks a little better for space to me, but still wondered if the porch would be a little too small.
Had a look on GO and thought that the Atakama 5 looked good value for £75, but would in be a little too big just for two of us!! Looks like a decent size porch though.
That would be a bonus, but I gather some people make a custom groundsheet from a cheap tarp?
Newbie question here, I assume SIG is referring to the ground sheet that would lay in the porch area? All inners have a fully sewn in groundsheet right?
I've read the reviews on the Atakama 5 and they sound OK, apart from one who had the tent collapse in the wind
I'll take another look at the Ottawa, I had looked at it earlier, but only quickly.
If spending the extra is worth it, then that is fine, I'm just concerned about spending lots of money and finding we don't use it enough to merit it.
I saw the Atakama 5 pitched recently and was impressed by how roomy it seems. I still think it's nicer to have a standing height porch though.
It's more expensive, but there's some internet offers going round at the minute, so I'll recommend the Vango Icarus 500. It's a brilliant tent for a couple, and if you have a look at the review pictures you'll see it being used with a double height queen sized airbed which looks the height of luxury.
If you're trying to 'sell' the idea of camping to your OH I think the Vango would do the trick, whereas if you're putting her in something where she's hunching over to get in and out then that'll put her off.
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Seems I could be between two tents though, a nice roomy family type tent for going away with the missus & dog, but for when I go away with my bike and likely to be camping alone (some of my MTB friend prefer to sleep alone, lol!!) it would be total overkill.
I think I'm going to find local camping store and have a look around with the missus :)
Yes the Icarus would probably be a bit big for you unless you fancied storing the bike in the tent with you! Not sure what your OH would have to say about that!
Khyam have thoughtfully come up with a brilliant tent called the Khyam Biker. It's already got the poles threaded into the fabric and it goes up very quickly indeed. There's a couple of other tents in the range, which are also this 'rigidome' system, the Freelander and the Igloo. The Freelander would be big enough for you and your OH and still not so big you couldn't use it for rallys etc, although do check the pack size for travelling.
Another hit with bikers is the Vango Kairos 300, I wouldn't recommend it for two people but it's probably the smallest tent you'll get that you can still stand up in and would be perfect for just one person.
If you want standing height and a huge porch area might i suggest the coleman pamandi 4 its a little over your budget but if your trying to twist your other halfs arm into camping i think she will take to it more if you get a tent where your not cramped and are not bending down constantly. theres even plenty room for the dog!! the porch awning on this model is just as big as the main tent which gives you more space for the dog to lie outside even if its raining and plenty room for cooking or just sheltering from the sun if we ever see it again
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A bit over your budget (£90) but has SIG, standing height throughout, large bedroom which can be divided with a curtain, spacious living area with room for table and chairs, I recently bought a canopy to give me even more living space.
Don't be put off by the size - you need room for you both, plus dog as well as all your bags and camping gear - you will be amazed how quickly the space will fill up!
There is nothing worse than being stuck in a tiny, cramped tent in a torrential downpour for several hours or even days!
Thanks for all the help & suggestions guys - it's a bit of a minefield when you don't really know what you're looking for!!
Looks like there were some cracking deals on the Coleman Pamandi a month or so ago (£89 from GO), but I think the Licata 400 looks like great value for money.
Would I be right to assume that the Licata would be a better bet than the Atakama? Looks to be a little more spacious, and I suppose the extra 150mm head room makes it all worthwile.
I looked at loads of easy to pitch 4 berth tents and found the Licata 400 was the best option as it gave me a good sized bedroom, spacious living area, standing height throughout (getting too old to scamble on my hands and knees to get in and out of bed!), I can pitch it solo and you get a lot of tent for the money.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Newbie looking for some advice
Inside the Licata 400
Licata 400
